COMM2001 Communication and Mass Media

Level 2 core unit in the Communication and Media Studies major sequence

The area of knowledge for this unit is Society and Culture

Category B broadening unit for students

Level 2 elective

Content

This unit considers communication from a social science perspective while exploring key ideas and concepts from critical theory and mass communication research. Central concerns of the unit include the impact of technological change upon information sharing and the discourses of news and advertising. The unit examines the effects these changes have had on individual behaviour and culture as a whole. It seeks to equip students to act as critical and empowered participants in the world of mass communication.

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify, discuss and evaluate key research methods and concepts from the fields of communication and media studies; (2) discuss the role of media in shaping communicative discourses and critically engage with the notion of media effects; (3) apply various theories, concepts and discourse analytic tools to the analysis of mass media texts; (4) identify and critique the ideologies expressed within the mass media; (5) understand the construction of advertising and journalistic texts; (6) research a topic through the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; (7) express research findings and ideas coherently and logically in oral and written formats; and (8) demonstrate cooperation and leadership in peer learning group contexts and participation in discussion settings.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) presentations; (2) written assessment; and (3) participation. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit except in the case of a bachelor's pass degree student who has obtained a mark of 45 to 49 overall and is currently enrolled in this unit, and it is the only remaining unit that the student must pass in order to complete their course.

The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.

All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.

Books and other material wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary reading', 'Recommended reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. Where texts are listed in the unit description above, an asterisk (*) indicates that the book is available in paperback.